Viewer - Live chat with 'Jeopardy!' champ Stephanie Jass

Live chat with 'Jeopardy!' champ Stephanie Jass

Thursday October 18, 2012

12:59

Brian Wheeler:

Good afternoon! We're talking to "Jeopardy!" champion Stephanie Jass for the next hour. Feel free to throw out your questions and comments.

Thursday October 18, 2012 12:59 Brian Wheeler

12:59

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Hi, folks!

Thursday October 18, 2012 12:59 Stephanie Jass

1:00

[Comment From Leanne SmithLeanne Smith: ]

Hi Stephanie. You had an amazing run on Jeopardy! Was it always a goal of yours to be on this show?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:00 Leanne Smith

1:00

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

It was something I was very interested in when I was younger, but I didn't make it a bucket list item until recently!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:00 Stephanie Jass

1:02

[Comment From Leanne SmithLeanne Smith: ]

So it was your husband, Doug Baker, who encouraged you to try out for the show. How difficult was the process to get on the show?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:02 Leanne Smith

1:02

Brian Wheeler:

By the way, here's a little background music for those of you who are following along: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wi8Fv0AJA4

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:02 Brian Wheeler

1:03

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

It's not easy. You take an online test, then if you pass that, you get invited to an in-person audition, and from there the producers pick about 400 people to play on the show. Lots of folks have been trying for years to get on the show; I feel pretty lucky to have made it!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:03 Stephanie Jass

1:03

Brian Wheeler:

Where was the audition?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:03 Brian Wheeler

1:04

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

The audition in my case was in Toledo, but they have them at about 10 different locations around the country, too.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:04 Stephanie Jass

1:04

Brian Wheeler:

When was the audition? And after that, what happened next? Do they put you on a plane to California?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:04 Brian Wheeler

1:05

[Comment From John BakerJohn Baker: ]

Hey, how can I get in on this Jeopardy deal? : ). Seriously, so proud of you. I had a talk with Charlotte and Lilly this week about being a successful smart woman. They were very impressed. I also want to try that button Dad made.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:05 John Baker

1:05

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

The online test was in March, the audition on May 1, and then I got a call from the producers on June 13 (my husband's birthday!). They asked if I could come out on July 31st, but I had to pay my own way out. Needless to say, I did :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:05 Stephanie Jass

1:06

[Comment From Barry HarmonBarry Harmon: ]

How did you prepare for the show? Did you study? If so, how do you pick a subject?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:06 Barry Harmon

1:06

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

John Baker, brothers-in-law aren't allowed to dominate on-line chats... ;)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:06 Stephanie Jass

1:06

Brian Wheeler:

Thanks, John! Whether you are related to Stephanie or not, feel free to ask questions.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:06 Brian Wheeler

1:07

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Barry, I DID study by reading about past winners. I also examined my own weaknesses and used past shows (j-archive.com!) to help figure out what questions had been asked in categories I was weak in. Reference books were helpful, too -- we actually hauled out the encyclopedias!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:07 Stephanie Jass

1:08

[Comment From EdwardEdward: ]

How long did it take to tape the seven shows you were on you did a good job

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:08 Edward

1:09

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Edward, I taped shows 1-5 on Aug. 1st, and shows 6-8 on Aug. 7th. They tape in real time, so it took about 30 minutes a game, with about 15 minutes to change between games!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:09 Stephanie Jass

1:09

[Comment From Sweet LouSweet Lou: ]

So you have to pay your own way out there? Airfare, hotel, meals and all that?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:09 Sweet Lou

1:10

[Comment From JoyceJoyce: ]

Congratulations. You did an awesome job.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:10 Joyce

1:11

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

You pay your own way there. You get a slight discount on a hotel and they spot you a breakfast or two, but it's almost all on your own dime. If you have to come back at the end of the week, they will pay your airfare to go home and come back.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:11 Stephanie Jass

1:11

[Comment From Ryan PorteRyan Porte: ]

Did playing the Arcadia Game help you prepare for the show? Just Kidding... very proud of you Step.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:11 Ryan Porte

1:11

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Thanks, Joyce!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:11 Stephanie Jass

1:11

[Comment From Leanne SmithLeanne Smith: ]

The Arcadia game? Can you explain that?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:11 Leanne Smith

1:12

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Ryan, you know darn well that all of my years of performing in various venues (Camp included!!) DID help me to feel comfortable in the spotlight. :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:12 Stephanie Jass

1:12

[Comment From Leanne SmithLeanne Smith: ]

So Stephanie, I bet a lot of Jeopardy fans want to know what Alex Trebek is really like? Can you tell us?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:12 Leanne Smith

1:12

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Leanne, you may have heard me mention on the show that I had a talent show at my wedding...this is a reference to one of the acts in that talent show! :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:12 Stephanie Jass

1:13

Brian Wheeler:

Just so folks know, we have more questions that have been asked that we have not "published" here yet. We'll get to them, I promise!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:13 Brian Wheeler

1:14

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Leanne, Alex is a very nice guy, or at least he was to me! :) He's extremely professional and serious on camera, but when he interacts with the audience during commercial breaks, he can actually be quite goofy. He loves his job, and is very good at it, and seemed to appreciate my enthusiasm for the show.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:14 Stephanie Jass

1:14

[Comment From MLive commentorMLive commentor: ]

First Question: You're far too young to remember the original host Art Fleming and now that Alex Trebek is nearing the end of his career.... Would you consider being the new Jeopardy host? (As a personal comment....You have what it takes!)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:14 MLive commentor

1:14

[Comment From DJ MossmanDJ Mossman: ]

Well done Stephanie. You've always been a winner in our eyes and still are.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:14 DJ Mossman

1:15

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Well, should they ever ask, I would LOVE that job! But I think that Ken Jennings probably has the first right of refusal on it...

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:15 Stephanie Jass

1:15

Brian Wheeler:

Ken Jennings, for those who don't know, won more "Jeopardy!" games in a row that any contestant.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:15 Brian Wheeler

1:15

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

Is the button hard to push - or hard to be the one to click in first?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:15 MaryAnn Unger & class

1:17

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Hi, MaryAnn! It's not really HARD to push, but it is bigger than you might expect, so it's a little unwieldy to handle. But the timing is the absolute trickiest part. You have a very small window to get in, and if you're too early, you're locked out.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:17 Stephanie Jass

1:17

[Comment From EdwardEdward: ]

So you was able to go home between Aug 1 then had to go back for Aug 7 shows

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:17 Edward

1:17

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

What did you do in LA when you weren't taping?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:17 Chris

1:18

Brian Wheeler:

Just curious: MaryAnn Unger & class: What class are you teaching, and where?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:18 Brian Wheeler

1:19

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

To answer both Edward and Chris, I didn't go home -- my husband and I stayed and enjoyed some wonderful time in Southern California. We went to the Getty Museums, San Diego, La Jolla, Venice Beach -- everything but Disneyland, it seems! :) And we saw a bunch of summer movies we'd been wanting to see -- more fun to do that in Hollywood, right?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:19 Stephanie Jass

1:19

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

Resurrection Lutheran in Cary NC - 7th grade - religion, literature, and language arts - they are screaming because you directed a question to them!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:19 MaryAnn Unger & class

1:19

Brian Wheeler:

Hello, MaryAnn and class! Thanks for joining us today! (feel free to scream a little more)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:19 Brian Wheeler

1:20

[Comment From Barry HarmonBarry Harmon: ]

The shows I watched, you never attempted a "true" daily double. Too risky?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:20 Barry Harmon

1:22

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Yep. I'm not a big risk taker anyway, but I didn't have a great track record in DDs at home, so I was nervous about wagering big and getting them wrong. I was lucky it wasn't more of an issue! If I had been in second place and in a position to take 1st, I would definitely have wagered bigger. But I not a person who has ever wanted to say "Alex, make it a true Daily Double!" :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:22 Stephanie Jass

1:22

[Comment From Robert WeinerRobert Weiner: ]

Stephanie, Was it just me or did I detect some romantic heat between you and Alex? If so, is Alex Trebek on your "freebie list"?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:22 Robert Weiner

1:22

Brian Wheeler:

Sorry. Just had to post that question!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:22 Brian Wheeler

1:23

[Comment From MLive CommentMLive Comment: ]

Ken might have first right of refusal - but your smile and personality would outweigh that! Don't sell yourself short on the opportunity.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:23 MLive Comment

1:23

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Robbie, I have that effect on all men, not just Alex. :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:23 Stephanie Jass

1:24

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

Do you ever use jeopardy as a learning tool for your college kids? Our teachers here do.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:24 MaryAnn Unger & class

1:24

[Comment From Mike MillerMike Miller: ]

How have your students reacted to your success on the show? Was it hard to keep them focused and on topic in classes?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:24 Mike Miller

1:25

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Believe me, if Jeopardy wanted me to work for them in almost any capacity, I'd consider it! (Move over, Sarah from the Clue Crew...)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:25 Stephanie Jass

1:25

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

MaryAnn, I have played some Jeopardy in class for review, but I think it would be seen as self-promotion if I tried it again. :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:25 Stephanie Jass

1:25

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

Did you develop friendships with any of your opponents?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:25 MaryAnn Unger & class

1:26

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Mike, many of my students have been very supportive -- both current and past students -- but we have work to do in class, and they've been great about doing it!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:26 Stephanie Jass

1:27

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

MaryAnn -- definitely! I still keep in touch with a few of those folks. It's a fun club to be in, and it's a great group of really smart and interesting people. I certainly felt honored to be among them! I hope to keep in touch with many of them going forward.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:27 Stephanie Jass

1:27

[Comment From Leanne SmithLeanne Smith: ]

Out of all the competitors you faced, who do you think was the toughest?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:27 Leanne Smith

1:27

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

What category was the most difficult for you?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:27 MaryAnn Unger & class

1:28

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Well, Meredith beat me, so I would have to say her! Everyone had a chance if the boards were different, so I never took any opponent for granted.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:28 Stephanie Jass

1:28

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

MaryAnn, you may have noticed my avoidance of Astronomy last night...not a coincidence.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:28 Stephanie Jass

1:29

[Comment From Mike MillerMike Miller: ]

Did they make you change outfits between shows, so that it appears as though they're filmed on different days?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:29 Mike Miller

1:30

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Mike: yes, they did. The show tells you to bring several outfits (I brought 4). My outfit on Friday's show was the dress I wore on #3, but without the sweater. Once we had some free time, I treated myself to a few more Target cardigans! :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:30 Stephanie Jass

1:30

[Comment From Adam WeinerAdam Weiner: ]

The buzzer is such a crucial component. Did you take a certain strategy to it, as in a timing thing? It seems as though folks who just feverishly push it again and again never seem to ring in fast enough.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:30 Adam Weiner

1:30

[Comment From Zeke Jennings | MLiveZeke Jennings | MLive: ]

Something I've always wanted to know - how oft did you hit the buzzer before you finished reading the question, I mean the "answer"?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:30 Zeke Jennings | MLive

1:32

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Adam, when Alex finishes reading the question, there's a stage hand who activates your podium lights. At the same time, lights go on up the side of the board that we can see. You're supposed to use those lights as your cue to ring in, but I tried to hit my buzzer at the same time as the stage hand! But they also tell you to keep ringing in, so feverish clicking is something they train you to do.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:32 Stephanie Jass

1:33

Brian Wheeler:

These aren't exactly skills you can apply to any other walk of life!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:33 Brian Wheeler

1:33

[Comment From DanDan: ]

How large (est) was the studio audience?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:33 Dan

1:33

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Zeke: if you hit the buzzer before Alex finishes reading the question, your buzzer is disabled for a fraction of a second, letting the others ring in. It's death if you ring in too early. I did it at least once, I think.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:33 Stephanie Jass

1:34

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Dan, I'm horrible at estimating things, but I would say between 100-200. I've certainly played in theaters that were bigger!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:34 Stephanie Jass

1:34

[Comment From Ryan PorteRyan Porte: ]

Knowing you like I do... I bet it was really tough to not let people know how you did on the show... Did you ever come close to letting it slip out.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:34 Ryan Porte

1:34

[Comment From EdwardEdward: ]

Was it very hard not to tell anyone one how much that you had.Do you have ti sign a contract that you will not tell how much won until the shows air

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:34 Edward

1:36

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Ryan and Edward: it was VERY hard! Contestants are not allowed to talk PUBLICLY about their outcomes, so no newspaper interviews, FB, or twitter about it. You can tell people privately, and I did do that so that my parents wouldn't have heart attacks watching! But it was very hard walking around for 2 months, knowing how well I did and not being able to say anything!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:36 Stephanie Jass

1:37

[Comment From Ken JenningsKen Jennings: ]

So you think you can take me? Huh? HUH? HUH?!?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:37 Ken Jennings

1:37

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Jennings: BRING IT!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:37 Stephanie Jass

1:38

Brian Wheeler:

We're willing to sponsor a one-on-one match between Stephanie and any other past champions!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:38 Brian Wheeler

1:38

[Comment From Kristin BalesKristin Bales: ]

So...when do we find out if you are headed to CA again for the Tournament of Champions!?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:38 Kristin Bales

1:38

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Apologies if this has been asked/answered already, but any word on when the next tournament of champions will tape/air? Looking forward to seeing you on it!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:38 Jason

1:39

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

We can use the buzzers that my father-in-law built :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:39 Stephanie Jass

1:39

Brian Wheeler:

Really? He did? (sorry, we'll get to the other questions)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:39 Brian Wheeler

1:39

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

I haven't heard anything official about the T of C, but I think they're planning on taping it in February. I don't know when it might air after that.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:39 Stephanie Jass

1:40

[Comment From Kristin BalesKristin Bales: ]

Ah, I thought it would air in February (during Sweeps month)! I am impatient to see you buzzsaw your way through some more games!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:40 Kristin Bales

1:42

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Any regrets on that last game? I figured when you'd lose, it'd be a "fluke" game like that ... you were so close to having it clinched going into FJ!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:42 Jason

1:42

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

How disappointed were you when you lost?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:42 MaryAnn Unger & class

1:44

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Jason: there are always regrets after the fact, but at the time I was actually a little relieved. I was hungry and tired!! Watching the game and realizing that I could have won if I had bet NOTHING makes me a little frustrated, but c'est la vie.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:44 Stephanie Jass

1:44

[Comment From Erik WyattErik Wyatt: ]

Hi Stephanie, I attended WMU at the same time as you! Does the State of California take a huge portion of your winnings? Speaking from experience, I once received relocation money for a job and it was subject to a whopping 20% luxury tax!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:44 Erik Wyatt

1:44

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

MaryAnn: Not too disappointed; I figured I'd secured a spot in the T of C, and I knew I had the women's record. Not too shabby, right?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:44 Stephanie Jass

1:46

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Erik, it's considered income, so it's subject to the usual state and federal income taxes. CA will take a sizeable portion, but I did earn it there! MI can't claim it, so at least I won't get hit twice.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:46 Stephanie Jass

1:47

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

I knew somebody who went on a long run recently and it was noticeable how the stress got to him at the end. Did that contribute to the hungry/tired-ness? Were you surprised to be relieved that it was over?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:47 Jason

1:47

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

Did taping 5 shows in one day get easier as the games went on or more difficult?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:47 MaryAnn Unger & class

1:49

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Taping that many shows in a day definitely takes its toll. My hand was gripping the buzzer so firmly that it started to cramp up, and by game 3 I had taken my shoes and ring off! I was very hungry, too, so that was a factor in both weeks. (Lunch isn't until like 2pm!) The whole experience requires TONS of focus and directed attention, so it is exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. I was both euphoric and relieved, and that's still how I feel after having just watched it all again :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:49 Stephanie Jass

1:50

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

What will you do with the money?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:50 MaryAnn Unger & class

1:51

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

I don't know entirely, but I'll definitely take some trips. I've always wanted to go to Machu Picchu (look it up, kids!), so hopefully I can do that soon!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:51 Stephanie Jass

1:52

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

Nothing more educational than traveling!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:52 MaryAnn Unger & class

1:52

Brian Wheeler:

Has anyone asked you if they could borrow a few dollars? Are family members expecting extravagant Christmas gifts this year?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:52 Brian Wheeler

1:53

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

People have made jokes about that (I assume they're jokes!), but they all know that I don't even get the money until February! Mostly people have been offering me advice on how to spend it :)

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:53 Stephanie Jass

1:54

Brian Wheeler:

And, yeah, why don't they pay you until February? Do you want me to lean on Trebek to pay up?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:54 Brian Wheeler

1:54

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Yes, please, Brian.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:54 Stephanie Jass

1:54

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Any advice for Jeopardy! hopefuls (like myself) either in terms of how to get on or what to do when you get there?

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:54 Jason

1:56

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

I would start by taking the on-line test in January, just for fun (which is something you can opt to do). Or if you scour the internet, there are websites that have past tests listed. See how well you do on them. Play along at home and keep track of your score. You should be getting at least 2/3 right consistently. If not, bone up on likely subjects. And then if you pass the test, bring your personality to the in-person audition!!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:56 Stephanie Jass

1:56

[Comment From EdwardEdward: ]

do you need to try out again our do get on the T&C by how much money you won

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:56 Edward

1:57

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

The T of C is determined by the highest game winners since the last T of C. So far on that list (knock on wood) I'm #2. They privilege # of games won over $ won until they have to break ties.

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:57 Stephanie Jass

1:58

[Comment From MaryAnn Unger & classMaryAnn Unger & class: ]

Probably good to have that waiting time to think about what you really want to use the money for. Takes away spontaneous spending!

Thursday October 18, 2012 1:58 MaryAnn Unger & class

2:00

Brian Wheeler:

Well, we played the "Jeopardy!" theme song 120 times back to back, so that means our time is up. Thanks so much to Stephanie for her graciousness in answering so many questions, and thanks to all of you who took the time to read along and to ask questions. We'll have a story about Stephanie and her amazing success soon. Hopefully, we'll report when she competes in — and wins — the Tournament of Champions.

Thursday October 18, 2012 2:00 Brian Wheeler

2:00

Brian Wheeler:

Oops! One more reader comment .....

Thursday October 18, 2012 2:00 Brian Wheeler

2:00

[Comment From DougDoug: ]

Your husband is... I mean must be... very proud.

Thursday October 18, 2012 2:00 Doug

2:00

[Comment From Stephanie JassStephanie Jass: ]

Thanks, everyone!!